Foolhardy behaviour in dangerous places
Good view, big drop
One of the things that irks me most—whether travelling or at home—is how people assume that rules don’t apply to them.
I see it almost every day.
The most infuriating offence is a person who pulls into a disabled car space and then quite ably hops out to dash into the chemist’s or post office. When Poor John’s Aunt Esther lived with us (from age 89 to 97), I’d hop out of the car and let the offender know that’s why I couldn’t park in the only disabled slot in the local carpark.
Get that selfie
There are plenty of other minor offences. Such as the car in front of me that does a U-turn at the sign that says ‘No U-Turn’. Or the person who plants their dirty boots on the bus seat opposite them, and under the sign that says you shouldn’t put your feet on the seats.
Of course, those behaviours reflect thoughtlessness. Every now and then you see the behaviours that stem from pure stupidity or maybe a death wish.
There were plenty of examples of that in the Grand Canyon.
Looking down from the rim. It’s a long way down
I’ll be posting many more pics of this amazing canyon (including some from the air), but I wanted to share these images of people who have climbed fences—that are emblazoned with warnings about how dangerous the cliffs are—simply to get ‘that’ picture.
No idea if any of them fell, but I’ve read that each year two or three people die in the Grand Canyon after over-the-rim falls. In most places the drop is about 300 feet.
As an aside, two fellows (Ghiglieri and Myer) have produced a book, Over the edge: death in Grand Canyon, that has accounts of all known fatal mishaps in this famous landmark.
So what thoughtless/stupid behaviours really irk you?
P.S. Not all the pics have captions.
Where to next? 
when i visited the grand canyon a ranger told me that an average of 7 people a year die there in this way –
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I think your statistics might be better than what I found on the internet.
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Oh, no idea – I just remember being taken aback by what he said
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Interesting post and makes you think risking your life is not worth the Instagram pictures. My heart goes out to all the families that are left bereaved when an accident happens. Like the recent 3 young Voglers that died when they fell from a waterfall in Canada. All so very sad 😦
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Always heartbreaking when deaths are ruled ‘by misadventure’. If only people would learn.
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I was looking at those pictures shaking my head thinking to myself that none of “my people” would ever be that stupid….and then the German flag in the last one…those are my people…lol such a shame.
When my family visited the Grand Canyon, I was 12 I think. And I have a (rational) fear of being around the edge of cliffs and mountains and stuff. I got out of the car, closed the door, and stood BESIDE the car with my back firmly pressed up against the door. I wouldn’t go any closer to the edge haha.
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I knew someone would recognise the German flag. Glad to know you wouldn’t have been out there with them.
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Most definitely not! haha
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I am always thinking of the people that have to either try to rescue such fools, or recover the bodies if they are dead. I feel the same way about inexperienced swimmers, sailors, cavers, potholers and climbers too. They do some ‘daring’ that results in other people having to risk their lives, and sometimes die, trying to save them.
Best wishes, Pete.
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You make an excellent point, Pete.
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It’s crazy watching people maneuver close to a cliff to get a selfie or walking along taking video close to the edge. It freaked me out. The park is dangerous and you need to watch your step
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It only takes a moment of lost concentration.
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Dragging bags on wheels across my feet.
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Especially common now that such large carry-ons are allowed.
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Yes. I imagine that if they were driving a truck with a trailer they would cause all kinds of accidents
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Those thoughtless taking selfies never think of those who potentially put their lives in danger to rescue the bodies or the family they leave behind either in those reckless ‘selfie’ behaviours.
I don’t get out or around much these days, but there are several things on public transport that really piss me off. One is people putting their feet on the seats (that others have to sit on). People sprawled across 2 seats (stopping a second person sitting down). Worse, (since I come into this category now) are young able people, especially school children, who don’t get up for the elderly or pregnant females who are noticeably carrying a large weight. I’m not old at 64, but with nerve damage in both legs I struggle to get my heavy shopping trolley and/or climb the steep steps in the old-fashioned trams that run in my suburb. I can’t stand on public transport as I’m a little unstable in the swaying vehicle and have had one bad fall when the bus stopped suddenly and I was thrown across the bus (and later ended up in the local E.R. dept). I hate to admit it, but I need a seat on public transport these days. But I have given my seat up for someone older than me OR someone disabled (while able-bodied young folk look on).
Luckily I live in an Asian area and young Asians ALWAYS give me a seat (where young Australians do not).
I travel via taxi most times now, but my point still carries. Whatever happened to young folk, especially secondary school level, giving up their seat or opening doors for older folk. Whatever happened to respect for the elderly or disabled.
Whatever happened to the public watching where they’re walking and getting their heads out of their mobile phones?
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Oh my, Vicki, you describe behaviours we see everyday. Courtesy and respect are in often in short supply.
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Litter. Last year in Costa Rica we would go for a long walk on our beautiful beach. Everyday we picked up litter that had blown down from the picnic area. One day we bumped into a local surfer and he said the locals had actually noticed us and were grateful. Tourists should be respectful of our beautiful earth.
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Wow, that means all the litter is being left by tourists. Totally thoughtless. Maybe they could get a ranger to patrol and fine the offenders.
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This is quite the pet peeve of mine too!
“One of the things that irks me most—whether travelling or at home—is how people assume that rules don’t apply to them.”
Just one example. At work (and as you may see in most American banks), there is usually a sign that says something along the lines of “Wait here, someone will serve you shortly.” At my job, we have a black sign that says “Stop! The next available access specialist will call you shortly.” I cannot tell you how many patients walk past that sign and run straight up to a window/desk they think is available and is usually not. It irks me to no end. LOL. I find that it’s mostly impatience or people who feel entitled to just do what they want regardless of the sign that advises them of what to do.
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There are thousands of examples like the one you describe, trE. All so irksome.
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Yep. Absolutely agree. I too get so irked by this kind of thing that I even wrote a post about it a couple years ago, specifically focused on these kinds of behaviors in Yellowstone. Stepping off boardwalks, touching things, approaching animals. It irritates me to no end that people can’t respect such an amazing place enough to just follow the damn rules.
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Your comment reminds me of the other nitwits we saw doing exactly what you have described.
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So what thoughtless/stupid behaviours really irk you?
I have a huge long list.
At the top are perhaps cell phone users. I realize not all cell phone users are idiots, but a large number of them are. No manners, no phone etiquette (which might be an antiquated idea now), one is forced to listen to these wastes of skin yammer on in movies, restaurants, to watch them yapping while driving cars and other vehicles and pray that one is able to pass the miscreant before one is killed; in line waiting for almost anything that one might wait in a line for; in doctors offices and even places one should be QUIET…like libraries or churches. I mean why do people think that others are interested in their conversations? Verbally expressed, sometimes at a high volume. Maybe I’m just too old to adapt to this new age of technology or maybe I just value silence a bit more than most.
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Mobiles (as we call cell phones in Australia) sometimes seem like the work of the devil. The worst behaviour being shown by those who feel the need to talk or text while driving. A madness that puts us all at risk!
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I found myself saying yes all the way through, I have similar experiences of other’s thoughtlessness. At Kings Canyon the same risky behaviour was evident.
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Ah yes, we saw the same at Kings Canyon.
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Passengers who can’t behave themselves on airplanes. Walking about when the seatbelt sign is on and using mobile phones before the plane has completely stopped.
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On our most recent flight, the crew ordered a couple of people back to their seats when the seatbelt sign was on.
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Yikes, my toes are curling just from looking at the photos. We all do thoughtless things at times, so it is the repeat offenders that raise my ire. And when people ignore signs that are placed right in front of them for everyone’s safety. So glad you stayed safe while enjoying the views!
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We did stay safe. I don’t have a death wish.
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Dear Leggy. I quite agree. The world is full of idiots.
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Sorry that was meant to read Peggy!!!
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Leggy or Peggy is fine. I answer to both!
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Sorry!
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We saw the same at the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, and many others. People balancing at the precipice of waterfalls, walking on fragile arches, dancing at the edge of a chasm.
A very close friend of ours died in the Grand Canyon and no one really knows the story except the other 3 men who were with him. We’ve heard rumors. They were all old enough to know better, but we think they were also all a bit drunk. Drinking, a dare, a slip, a fall down a rocky slope landing partly in the water, scrabbling to free himself but foot caught under a rock and unable to climb back up, and finally drowning. The sorrow of this good man who died so unnecessarily is palpable. We miss him still.
What grates my guts are the ones who put everyone else’s life in danger – the left-turners who continue long after their light has turned red, the texters driving right through red lights nearly t-boning other drivers until they do, the drunks on the road careening all over the place because they refuse to stay out of the car when they’re drinking. All of them selfish choices.
And none of them see themselves as criminals but all of them are. When they need to be rescued, dead or alive, it’s we the law abiding citizens who pay for their crimes. Fools, maybe, but they cost a lot of money that could be put to better use. Even our dear friend whom we miss years later – the resources to recover his body were huge. We love him but wish he’d put more thought into his actions that day – then he’d still be here with his sons, his wife, and his friends.
On that note, please enjoy the rest of your vacation.
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Sharon, the story of your friend gives real meaning to my post. While I’ve watched people being reckless, you know a man’s family and his friends that have had to live through the tragic reality of having a lark.
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Every year, it seems, someone goes over the edge at Palouse Falls… (Pics on FB)
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Yes, those are gorgeous but treacherous falls.
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I go the extra mile and try and catch young people that park their car in the spots reserved for those over 65 years old. I even went to ask the ranger if she could please book them really hard. She assured me she keeps a keen eye out for those ratbags.
I have become somewhat revengeful lately. I wonder why.
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Keep up the good work! 🙂
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I could not stand watching them, tettering on the edge. We were at a place called Horseshoe Bend, part of the Grand Canyon, and there were kids sitting on the edge of a massive drop dangling their legs. There was no safety fence, and I would not watch my partner taking photos over the edge (who does not exhibit the best sense of self-preservation either). I’m not afraid of heights, but I would not stand on that edge, I lay flat on the ground to see over. It was spectacular, but, as above, it doesn’t take much to make a fatal mistake.
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Like you, I am not afraid of heights, but I sure do respect them.
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I have seen examples of all that you and all the comments have mentioned. But it is the rescue operators that have to put their lives at risk who pay for the stupid ones. My number ! peeve is the pedestrian with the mobile phone held up to the face who steps out onto the pedestrian crossing straight in front of my car without looking.
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Yes, the rescuers carry the load. And don’t get me going on the bad habits of so many mobile phone users.
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The most astonishing thing about inappropriate and life-endangering decisions? The fact that these people are still alive to make them. Does that sound harsh? My bad.
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I guess that’s how the Darwin Awards came about.
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Oh my. I could go on an on. The thing that upsets me about all this stuff, is the lack of thought and consideration shown for others. And the lack of respect. If only we had more of that for each other.
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You are absolutely right.
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Good morning have a nice day!!!
I get mad with the drivers that illegally park in handicapped spaces!!!
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It is one of the most thoughtless of behaviours.
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For you with all my love!!!!
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You are so kind to think of me. Very much appreciated. But my blog has always been award-free. I took that approach because on our travels I often have no internet or only a poor connection. I hope you understand.
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If I got infuriated (which I am tempted to do) at all the dumb and inconsiderate things people do, I’d be mad all day long sometimes. So I try to roll my eyes unless it’s hurting someone else. All of the above behaviors in your post and the comments make me think of an old Charlie Brown cartoon in which he says “I’m staying in bed, Snoopy. It’s too peopley out there.” Haha.
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What a great comment from Charlie Brown. I might have to use that myself one day.
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I use it quite frequently these days! 🙂
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Wow. Some of these are really scary. Life is too short to risk losing it this way . . .
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Yes, I’d rather go on living so I can enjoy the next adventure.
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Right?!
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I know this isn’t a very PC thing to say, but survival of the fittest isn’t a thing anymore, so the gene pool is getting quite watered down. Darwin Awards anyone???
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Ah yes, the Darwin Awards.
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These behaviors posted through-out make my head spin. I have spent nine months in the hospital, six surgeries, another next Wednesday simply trying to stay alive. What is wrong with these adrenaline junkies and inconsiderate louts?
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Yes, the mind boggles.
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Well, I want to read the idiots at the Grand Canyon Book. This post reminds me of two things. Redneck’s last words – “Hey, fellas. Watch iss” The other I witnessed, sounds sort of like you. In the States people get temp handicap hangers for their car mirrors. They get a year or so for a sprained ankle. Or they print them up themselves.
Car zooms in from wrong way, cuts off other car on the aisle to snag last handicap spot in front of WalMart. I am walking up the parking aisle, geezer with handicap tag exits cut off car. Starts waving his cane at the (very) large woman who rolls out of the car that stole the space. No handicap tag. Geezer starts yelling ‘Godammit, you’re not handicapped! You’re FAT!” There was further exchange, but since concealed carry was legalized I avoid people arguing lest I become involved in an episode of “Gunsmoke.”
What irks me the most is oblivious wild children with phone games in public places, and people who stop mid aisle, mid doorway without personal brake lights to check their damn phones and answer texts or FB updates. ARRR! They are right in there with people who have nothing to say talking to their bluetooth headphones, loudly, in public. I don’t want to hear how so and so wound up in the emergency room and girl, all I’m sayin’ is like whatever, you know, and then she say…thaz right…and I’m like, right, you hearin’ me, I’m sayin’ what-ever…
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the other thing that really irks me is bluetooth keyboard typos, as I will not claim them as my own.
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Great rant. How about I fix the typos! 🙂
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Yay!
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I am petrified of heights like this, though flying, etc isn’t a problem. My scoutmaster years ago drew a line and said stand by it; you don’t fall. He neglected visual perspectives and wind currents. I’ll stay safely behind the fence or ride in a helicopter, thank you. 😎
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I figure the fence is there for a reason!
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May I confess something? Nearly half a century ago (when I was young and lovely, weren’t we all) I visited the Grand Canyon by Greyhound Bus. A rather pompous fellow traveller handed me his camera and asked me to take a photo of him standing near the edge.
Well, as you do when you’re taking photos I said, “Stand a little further back.” He did. But I still couldn’t get him and the surrounds quite right. I said, “A little further back.” He moved, most obliging.
And I had an evil thought. Let’s face it, he’d been patronising me for several hours along the way. But I resisted the temptation and took the photo.
I do hope he liked it. The result could have been so much worse.
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Oh my, glad you kept your devilish streak under control. But I can imagine the temptation. Haha!
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I see it too on walks where people deliberately cross barriers and take unnecessary risks. Didn’t a couple just plummet to their death recently in Bali after taking a selfie? 🙁
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Last month an Australian couple died taking selfies in Portugal. Wikipedia has a list (starting from 2011) of people known to have been injured or died while taking selfies. Geez!
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Hardly worth it!
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Of all the blog posts/comments this one I could do without, sorry to say. However off-topic, I did want to post about a fantastic PBS special on the Rocky Mountains and nature this evening (EST 9-10pm 7/11/18). I have never been to the Rocky Mountains and the beauty of this area of the USA and the wildlife is almost second-to-none. And the photography and narration was wonderful! Peggy I don’t know if you are still in the states, but hope you and others had a chance to see this PBS program.
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Thanks so much for letting us know about the program. The Rocky Mountains are wonderful. So scenic and so full of life.
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Amazing read here…. wowwww
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Thanks so much.
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Lovely, thanks.
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Oh heavens, the ridiculousness of people. Like those who approach buffalo for a photo. Those are wild animals, are you CRAZY!??!
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I swear some people are crazy.
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Wow! There are a lot of infuriated people at there if your comments are anything to go by. I have seen evidence of stupidity along the Great Ocean road too, where somone stepped out over the edge, past the “beware unstable cliffs” sign, to retrieve a $2.00 hat!!! Crazy!
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We were told horror stories of people stepping into the hot springs in Yellowstone to take a photo or retrieve some possession. It’s one way to become a memory.
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Sounds also like the tourists who warm their feet in the hot springs in Iceland…. and get third degree burns as a result! Ouch.
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Amazing how people take no notice of warnings!
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I never can understand why some people take such risks. It just not worth it for a better view or a better photo.
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I agree.
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I am afraid of these kind of places. Great post Thank You.
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Yes, they can be scary, especially if you don’t pay attention to the warnings.
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Wow! My acrophobia would keep me clear of danger.
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Yes, that will definitely keep you out of harm’s way.
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That’s for sure!
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My first time on your blog! Thanks for sharing this was COOL! Light and Love, Shona
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You are most welcome. Thanks for stopping by and for commenting.
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Amateur mountaineers visiting Scotland in the winter without experience, decent kit or common sense. What a waste of money for emergency services!
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Absolutely right.
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You mean people doing things like this?
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Hi Steve, for some reason your link to the JPG didn’t work, and I couldn’t get it to work for me either. For those who are interested, scroll down on this page. It’s a great example of foolhardy antics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._H._Bennett
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Here’s the link again, inside brackets: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._H._Bennett#/media/File:Standrock2.jpg].
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Thank you for sharing this! I live and work in a busy national park and see behavior like this all of the time. What people don’t realize is that they are not only putting themselves at risk, but our brave (and short staffed) park rangers who have to put their lives on the line when someone gets hurt in one of these acts of brazen stupidity.
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You are most welcome. It’s especially terrible when rescuers end up being victims too.
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Nice 👍
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Thanks so much.
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Living in fairly close proximity to NYC, the recklessness that really bothers me here are the (mostly) young instagrammers who climb the spires of the city’s skyscrapers, walk out on the rooftop ledges and then compound their idiocy by letting go of whatever they’re holding onto in order to extend the selfie stick and get the shot from above. And then another 100 idiots congratulate them on their epic photography skills. ‘Dope shot, bro’
A local kid died not too long ago…fell down an elevator shaft trying to sneak up where he didn’t belong, going for the ‘gram.
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Good grief. I was not aware of these daredevils and their shenanigans.
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A few people wander off the boardwalks in Yellowstone to death by boiling. Too bad they ignored the warning signs not to do it! Anywhere there is wildlife – bears, bison, even prairie dogs (potential of fleas infected with bubonic plague!) – they think they can outrun the large animals or the large animals are friendly because they’ve learned humans will give them treats (forbidden!) or be docile because they are just eating grass, you see idiots trying to get selfies with these creatures in them, despite warnings to stay in the car or not to feed the bears. As one of my college chums (cynically) noted, “The average person is pretty average:, implying ignorant and capable of stupid behavior that defied common sense!
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You are so right. Amazing how little regard some people have for advice that will actually keep them alive. I guess this is how the Darwin Awards came in to being.
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Exactly.
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The same happens in our local gorges. Just this week a “college aged” person was rescued from Fall Creek gorge near Cornell U.
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Oh yikes, lucky they were rescued.
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